A druid's animal companion in combat [Archive] - Wizards Community

A druid's animal companion in combat [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
ambu
11-18-06, 01:58 AM I have a question about the druid's animal companion. Has anyone any experience on how it functions in combat. Let's take a wolf for example, straight from level 1 to level 20. With the enhancements on each level, the bonus HD and the feats gained, can he really play the role of the druids defender?
Now I know that the druid with the wildshape ability does not really need protection. But aside from that, the animal companion as written, can it survive and be a capable fighter along the party? What if the druid equipped it as appropriate, with armor, natural weapons enhancements etc etc?

Share your experiences!
KurenaiYami
11-18-06, 02:22 AM A totally unequipped animal companion is normally a pretty good boon of the class in the lower levels, though, since D&D has a good portion of a character's effectiveness go with it's equipment.

I've actually never given a companion equipment, though I'm sure it would then become useful even into the higher levels in combat.

Keep in mind that the animal companion has merits outside of combat, but since this thread is strictly about combat, I'll assume that was already known.
ambu
11-18-06, 06:00 AM Thanks for the reply Kurenai! You see, I am planning on playing a modified druid, one who has lower BAB and HD and no wild shape (we use the shapeshift variant from PHII). I want his animal companion to be his 'weapon', so I intend to use armor and collars of natural weaponry.
malakaiunseen
11-18-06, 08:17 AM Animal companions are very cool pets for war. I am in the process of advancing a wolf to six HD for a lvl 6 druid, and I notice that it increases in size because of this. This increases in size gives the wolf further ability and AC changes than just the druid specific ones, as of table 4-2 on pg. 291 in the MM. It gives the wolf a further +8 to Str, -2 to Dex, +4 to Con, +2 NAtural armor bonus, and -1 to attack and AC for size.
This plus all of the bonuses for being a druidic Animal Companion make it a nugget. Plus the DM could very well allow a druid to take an elite array for their companion, reasoning that they wanted a fine specimen. I would allow it.
Even without extra equipment, this makes an AnC very tough, with extra gear, they are like a whole nother tank in the group, in almost every way as good as the main fighter, just don't tell the fighter that. ;)
runestar
11-18-06, 08:57 AM Animal companions are very cool pets for war. I am in the process of advancing a wolf to six HD for a lvl 6 druid, and I notice that it increases in size because of this. This increases in size gives the wolf further ability and AC changes than just the druid specific ones, as of table 4-2 on pg. 291 in the MM. It gives the wolf a further +8 to Str, -2 to Dex, +4 to Con, +2 NAtural armor bonus, and -1 to attack and AC for size.
Perfect example of how disregarding the rules can result in differing results...:P
You will want to reread the desc on acquiring animal companions. You used the original unadvanced version, advanced versions are not allowed. In addition, adding HD to the animal companion this way will not give it size increases. Its size only increases if it is advanced in the conventional way, not via alternative means such as through a druid.

I believe this is also specifically covered in the FAQ.:)
Gorteck
11-18-06, 10:49 AM Hmm i remeber why druids became banned in my games ... yes being able to drain 6con per round no if and or's or buts about it to lose at least 6 (Tho u could stop it after words) And then he just let his pets rampage ... Ah good old Druids rampageing it was lame ... but sweet (Even tho i wasnt a druid i thought it was funner then **** that our DM and a lot of other ppl who each looked into it found out they couldnt do dick about it) ah ... HAVE FUN!
AaronDireBear
11-18-06, 01:30 PM lag related double...sorry
AaronDireBear
11-18-06, 01:31 PM Perfect example of how disregarding the rules can result in differing results...:P
You will want to reread the desc on acquiring animal companions. You used the original unadvanced version, advanced versions are not allowed. In addition, adding HD to the animal companion this way will not give it size increases. Its size only increases if it is advanced in the conventional way, not via alternative means such as through a druid.

I believe this is also specifically covered in the FAQ.:)

WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION????

Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered?

And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it.
Tempest Stormwind
11-18-06, 01:41 PM WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION????

Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered?

And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it.

Because a druid's animal companion uses its own rules to improve, not the advancement rules. It doesn't get *bigger*, but it does get *better*.

The FAQ is available on the main website, under Game Rules / FAQ. Here's a link (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/er/20030221a) for now. There's no reason to be uncivil about it.

(It is actually in the rules, but it's a bit implicit, and the FAQ makes it clearer. A druid's animal companion follows its own rules when it gets more powerful, not the monster advancement rules.)

And also for the record, the "best" animal companion at level 1 (a riding dog trained for war, uniformly better than a wolf) given barding can actually be a better tank than a non-optimized first-level fighter. At level 2, they're comparable -- but at level 3, the animal companion jumps ahead to 4 hit dice, and becomes better than the fighter again. At level 4 they're comparable -- and at level 5, the druid gets Wild Shape and all bets are off.

It's odd having not one, but two class features better than an entire other class, no?

Oh, and this is following the FAQ. If we go by your original interpretation, the animal companion becomes even *better* than this.

There's a reason why the Third Commandment of Optimization is "Doubt not the power of the Druid, for he is mighty."
AaronDireBear
11-18-06, 02:19 PM In other words, its optimal to make a wild animal your ***** somehow and let it advance without making it your companion.
Tempest Stormwind
11-18-06, 02:40 PM In other words, its optimal to make a wild animal your ***** somehow and let it advance without making it your companion.

Actually, players can't ever use monster advancement. That's for the DM making unusually tough monsters -- Moby Dick is an advanced cachalot whale, for instance, and White Fang would be an advanced wolf.

If you could find one, you probably could make it your companion -- but you'd undoubtedly take a hit on your effective druid level (akin to taking a stronger animal companion anyway). This is up to your DM, though.
High Octane
11-18-06, 03:50 PM WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION????

Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered?

And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it.

1. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/Main35FAQv10182006.zip

2. They do get stronger. Their HD increases as do their stats and natural armor. Also they get other abilities. They just dont increase in SIZE. Size does not equal strength.

3. For the love of cheese man, SHOW SOME MATURITY!
AaronDireBear
11-18-06, 03:52 PM Don't confuse "not having the balls to speak out against something one considers unfair" with "maturity".
KurenaiYami
11-18-06, 04:14 PM Don't confuse "not having the balls to speak out against something one considers unfair" with "maturity".

"Link or STFU about it" =/= maturity. No confusion at all.

Just because you our outraged because one of the abilities of a druid is somehow nerfed (in your eyes, though I like the druid advancement better) does not mean you should spam indagnant quasi-swear words and pass it off as proof of your testicular fortitude.

As to the OP, I'd just like to second everything Tempest said.

Have a nice day.
runestar
11-18-06, 10:02 PM I will always wonder if I should somehow have worded my post any differently...:P

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
ambu 11-18-06, 01:58 AM	I have a question about the druid's animal companion. Has anyone any experience on how it functions in combat. Let's take a wolf for example, straight from level 1 to level 20. With the enhancements on each level, the bonus HD and the feats gained, can he really play the role of the druids defender? Now I know that the druid with the wildshape ability does not really need protection. But aside from that, the animal companion as written, can it survive and be a capable fighter along the party? What if the druid equipped it as appropriate, with armor, natural weapons enhancements etc etc? Share your experiences!
KurenaiYami 11-18-06, 02:22 AM	A totally unequipped animal companion is normally a pretty good boon of the class in the lower levels, though, since D&D has a good portion of a character's effectiveness go with it's equipment. I've actually never given a companion equipment, though I'm sure it would then become useful even into the higher levels in combat. Keep in mind that the animal companion has merits outside of combat, but since this thread is strictly about combat, I'll assume that was already known.
ambu 11-18-06, 06:00 AM	Thanks for the reply Kurenai! You see, I am planning on playing a modified druid, one who has lower BAB and HD and no wild shape (we use the shapeshift variant from PHII). I want his animal companion to be his 'weapon', so I intend to use armor and collars of natural weaponry.
malakaiunseen 11-18-06, 08:17 AM	Animal companions are very cool pets for war. I am in the process of advancing a wolf to six HD for a lvl 6 druid, and I notice that it increases in size because of this. This increases in size gives the wolf further ability and AC changes than just the druid specific ones, as of table 4-2 on pg. 291 in the MM. It gives the wolf a further +8 to Str, -2 to Dex, +4 to Con, +2 NAtural armor bonus, and -1 to attack and AC for size. This plus all of the bonuses for being a druidic Animal Companion make it a nugget. Plus the DM could very well allow a druid to take an elite array for their companion, reasoning that they wanted a fine specimen. I would allow it. Even without extra equipment, this makes an AnC very tough, with extra gear, they are like a whole nother tank in the group, in almost every way as good as the main fighter, just don't tell the fighter that. ;)
runestar 11-18-06, 08:57 AM	Animal companions are very cool pets for war. I am in the process of advancing a wolf to six HD for a lvl 6 druid, and I notice that it increases in size because of this. This increases in size gives the wolf further ability and AC changes than just the druid specific ones, as of table 4-2 on pg. 291 in the MM. It gives the wolf a further +8 to Str, -2 to Dex, +4 to Con, +2 NAtural armor bonus, and -1 to attack and AC for size. Perfect example of how disregarding the rules can result in differing results...:P You will want to reread the desc on acquiring animal companions. You used the original unadvanced version, advanced versions are not allowed. In addition, adding HD to the animal companion this way will not give it size increases. Its size only increases if it is advanced in the conventional way, not via alternative means such as through a druid. I believe this is also specifically covered in the FAQ.:)
Gorteck 11-18-06, 10:49 AM	Hmm i remeber why druids became banned in my games ... yes being able to drain 6con per round no if and or's or buts about it to lose at least 6 (Tho u could stop it after words) And then he just let his pets rampage ... Ah good old Druids rampageing it was lame ... but sweet (Even tho i wasnt a druid i thought it was funner then **** that our DM and a lot of other ppl who each looked into it found out they couldnt do dick about it) ah ... HAVE FUN!
AaronDireBear 11-18-06, 01:30 PM	lag related double...sorry
AaronDireBear 11-18-06, 01:31 PM	Perfect example of how disregarding the rules can result in differing results...:P You will want to reread the desc on acquiring animal companions. You used the original unadvanced version, advanced versions are not allowed. In addition, adding HD to the animal companion this way will not give it size increases. Its size only increases if it is advanced in the conventional way, not via alternative means such as through a druid. I believe this is also specifically covered in the FAQ.:) WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION???? Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered? And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it.
Tempest Stormwind 11-18-06, 01:41 PM	WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION???? Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered? And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it. Because a druid's animal companion uses its own rules to improve, not the advancement rules. It doesn't get bigger, but it does get better. The FAQ is available on the main website, under Game Rules / FAQ. Here's a link (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/er/20030221a) for now. There's no reason to be uncivil about it. (It is actually in the rules, but it's a bit implicit, and the FAQ makes it clearer. A druid's animal companion follows its own rules when it gets more powerful, not the monster advancement rules.) And also for the record, the "best" animal companion at level 1 (a riding dog trained for war, uniformly better than a wolf) given barding can actually be a better tank than a non-optimized first-level fighter. At level 2, they're comparable -- but at level 3, the animal companion jumps ahead to 4 hit dice, and becomes better than the fighter again. At level 4 they're comparable -- and at level 5, the druid gets Wild Shape and all bets are off. It's odd having not one, but two class features better than an entire other class, no? Oh, and this is following the FAQ. If we go by your original interpretation, the animal companion becomes even better than this. There's a reason why the Third Commandment of Optimization is "Doubt not the power of the Druid, for he is mighty."
AaronDireBear 11-18-06, 02:19 PM	In other words, its optimal to make a wild animal your ***** somehow and let it advance without making it your companion.
Tempest Stormwind 11-18-06, 02:40 PM	In other words, its optimal to make a wild animal your ***** somehow and let it advance without making it your companion. Actually, players can't ever use monster advancement. That's for the DM making unusually tough monsters -- Moby Dick is an advanced cachalot whale, for instance, and White Fang would be an advanced wolf. If you could find one, you probably could make it your companion -- but you'd undoubtedly take a hit on your effective druid level (akin to taking a stronger animal companion anyway). This is up to your DM, though.
High Octane 11-18-06, 03:50 PM	WHA???That makes absolutely no sense! If a WILD wolf is allowed to get stronger over time then WHY NOT A DRUID'S COMPANION???? Fuggin GANKED ass BS! Where in the PHb does this get covered? And where in the NIne Hells is this so called FAQ you speak of? Link or STFU about it. 1. http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/Main35FAQv10182006.zip 2. They do get stronger. Their HD increases as do their stats and natural armor. Also they get other abilities. They just dont increase in SIZE. Size does not equal strength. 3. For the love of cheese man, SHOW SOME MATURITY!
AaronDireBear 11-18-06, 03:52 PM	Don't confuse "not having the balls to speak out against something one considers unfair" with "maturity".
KurenaiYami 11-18-06, 04:14 PM	Don't confuse "not having the balls to speak out against something one considers unfair" with "maturity". "Link or STFU about it" =/= maturity. No confusion at all. Just because you our outraged because one of the abilities of a druid is somehow nerfed (in your eyes, though I like the druid advancement better) does not mean you should spam indagnant quasi-swear words and pass it off as proof of your testicular fortitude. As to the OP, I'd just like to second everything Tempest said. Have a nice day.
runestar 11-18-06, 10:02 PM	I will always wonder if I should somehow have worded my post any differently...:P